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Mid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.
Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.
It is now set to … View moreMid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.
Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.
It is now set to open a year late, and will end up being over its $56.75 million budget.
The delays in the project were caused by Covid-related strains on the workforce and supply chain.
“We’re really excited to get to this point, because it’s been a tricky build at times with Covid and the shortages of staff and building materials," council chief executive Hamish Riach said.
“But this building is resilient and will serve our community well for 50 years or more, so we’re delighted.”
The public library will close on November 26 and reopen in the new building on December 18.
All other council services will be available during the three-week transition period, with a skeleton staff operating from the old administration building on Baring Square West up until close of business on December 14.
An official opening ceremony is planned for early 2024.
Meanwhile, the demolition of 255 Havelock St is scheduled for the end of October and is expected to take about a month to complete, Riach said.
The building will make way for a public car park to service Te Whare Whakatere.
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type … View moreOctober 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Rangitata’s MP. (By reporter Keiller MacDuff).
Rangitata is shaping up to be a battle royale, but it will be a big ask for … View moreIn the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Rangitata’s MP. (By reporter Keiller MacDuff).
Rangitata is shaping up to be a battle royale, but it will be a big ask for incumbent Labour minister Jo Luxton to retain the deeply blue electorate, with some commentators already calling it for National party newcomer James Meager.
The electorate stretches along the eastern side of the South Island, from Timaru to the Rakaia River, and inland from the ocean to the Southern Alps. The predominately rural electorate encompasses Mid and South Canterbury, including Ashburton, Methven, Mt Somers, Temuka and Timaru, and skews slightly older - with more than one-quarter of its residents aged over 60, compared to one-fifth nationally.
It briefly existed for two separate parliamentary terms in the late 19th century, then was re-established for the 2008 election, largely replacing Aoraki and parts of the Rakaia electorate.
National’s Jo Goodhew was the first to represent the re-established electorate, holding it from 2008 until she decided not to contest the 2017 election.
National’s Andrew Falloon went on to a strong win, with a margin of 6331 votes, but resigned abruptly in July 2020 after he was alleged to have sent unsolicited images to young women.
Replaced just weeks before the 2020 election by then Environment Canterbury councillor Megan Hands, National lost the seat for the first time since its creation, with Luxton taking 4000 more votes than Hands.
Labour also increased its party vote share by 15 percentage points to 49% over National’s 40%, whose share dropped by more than 21% on 2017.
The electorate’s first meet the candidate event garnered national attention after Prime Minister Chris Hipkins highlighted comments by New Zealand First candidate Rob Ballantyne decrying “Māori elite” and saying “we are the party with the cultural mandate and the courage to cut out your disease and bury you permanently”.
Ballantyne has stood behind the comments, while NZ First leader Winston Peters enthusiastically endorsed them as coming “exactly from my speeches”.
A former early childhood teacher and business owner, Hinds-based Luxton first entered Parliament as a list MP in 2017. The grand-niece of iconic Labour Prime Minister Norm Kirk, she is associate minister of education and agriculture and minster of customs.
Consultant, former political adviser and press secretary James Meager (Ngāi Tahu) was selected to take over National’s candidacy in September 2022. The 36-year-old grew up in Timaru and now lives in Ashburton.
He has committed to starting work on a new Ashburton bridge in a National Government’s first term, reducing red tape and cutting tax. Well down the party list at 69, Meager will be relying on the electorate seat to get into Parliament.
There’s no disagreement on the need for the second bridge crossing, with both major parties committing to it.
Former Timaru District councillor, nurse and conservationist Barbara Gilchrist, vying for the Green vote, says her priorities are providing a guaranteed income, free dental care and supporting farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture.
Ballantyne, who runs an importing business (and is 16th on his party’s list), promises to remove “any regulations that are too difficult to comply with”, backs the new Ashburton bridge, and will give landowners and businesses “immunity from future Māori claims”.
ACT’s Rangitata candidate, Elaine Naidu Franz, resigned in August after it emerged she had compared Covid-19 mandates to concentration camps.
The rest of the candidates are Michael Clarkson, running for the unregistered Rock the Vote NZ party - which falls under the umbrella of Brian Tamaki and Sue Grey’s Freedom NZ coalition; Wayne Shearer, running for Liz Gunn’s New Zealand Loyal party; Karl Thomas (New Conservatives) and Dolf Van Amersfoot (New Nation Party).
Traditionally drawing strong voter turnout - 85% in 2020, compared to 82% nationally - Rangitata’s older population is keenly engaged, with over 60s averaging 90% and 91% turnout in 2017 and 2020 respectively.
Rangitata has the fourth-highest share of people identifying as Christian (43%) among the general electorates, and is predominantly European (87%) and Maori (9%), with one in 10 people (9%) identifying as either Asian or Pasifika.
The electorate ranked first in New Zealand for the number of residents working between 50 and 59 hours per week (15%), and families whose income was between $70,000 and $100,000 (23%).
A fifth of the population are labourers, while 16% work in manufacturing – the second-highest shares among electorates.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Speed limits are being dropped around new housing developments in Ashburton.
Council roading manager Mark Chamberlain said the eight changes are “a bit of a tidy up” as speed limits are adjusted around new subdivisions.
In some instances, … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Speed limits are being dropped around new housing developments in Ashburton.
Council roading manager Mark Chamberlain said the eight changes are “a bit of a tidy up” as speed limits are adjusted around new subdivisions.
In some instances, developers have already installed the speed signs, he said.
“This is just making them enforceable”.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said there had been a lot of new development outside Ashburton's 50kph urban areas, which warranted the speed reductions.
“It means that people leaving the subdivisions are turning into slower moving traffic, which is safer for everyone.
“At Albert St, the speed limit currently goes from 30kph outside the Christian school, to 60kph heading towards Trevors Road and then 50kph at Trevors Road.
“Removing the 60kph tidies up an unnecessary change.”
The proposed changes did not require public consultation as they align with the council’s Interim Speed Management Plan, which was consulted on in November 2022.
On Wednesday, the council approved the changes. The new speed limits would be entered into the National Speed Limit Register for certification by Waka Kotahi, with the aim of having the new speeds take effect on November 1.
The council still planned to review its permanent 30kph school speed zone limits in February.
Meanwhile, speed limit reductions proposed in Waka Kotahi’s interim state highway speed management plan are still being reviewed by the speed management committee, an independent group that reviews state highway plans.
The process is expected to take until November before going to the Director of Land Transport.
In Mid Canterbury, it was proposed to cut the speed through Rakaia to 50kph, and down to 80kph across the Rakaia River Bridge.
The speed would also be reduced from 100kph down to 60kph past the Ōpuke thermal Pools, out of Methven on SH77.
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Speed Reductions:
- Ashbury Grove Subdivision, Tinwald - new 40kph urban area.
- Grahams Rd, Tinwald 50kph - reduce from 80kph to 50kph for 150m from existing 50kph urban traffic area.
- Strowan Fields Subdivision, Ashburton 40kph – new 40kph urban area.
- Wakanui Rd, Ashburton 50kph – reduce from 60 kph to 50 kph for 140m from existing 50kph urban traffic area.
- Carrfields Subdivision, Tinwald 50kph – extend 50kph urban traffic area.
- Westview Drive, Tinwald 40kph – new 40kph urban area.
- Holmes Rd, Methven 50kph – reduce from 100kph to 50 km/hr.
- Albert St, Ashburton 50kph – reduce from 60kph to 50kph from existing 50kph urban traffic area to existing 30kph Ashburton Christian School speed limit.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Teenagers of Ashburton say the town lacks fun activities and they'd welcome a TimeZone, Wendy's or Cotton On.
Members of the Ashburton Youth Council told the district council “phones down, hearing aids up” before sharing their … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Teenagers of Ashburton say the town lacks fun activities and they'd welcome a TimeZone, Wendy's or Cotton On.
Members of the Ashburton Youth Council told the district council “phones down, hearing aids up” before sharing their thoughts on making the region more fun.
Carina Lupse said that there aren’t many places or events for young people - a statement backed up by Cherish Moti.
“We could welcome places like TimeZone or laser strike, or we could have more clothing shops like H&M, Cotton On, and Galssons, Moti said.
“We would also like to have food places like Starbucks, Carl's Jr. or Wendy's.
“It also would attract more people or save [us] a drive to Christchurch or Timaru.”
New attractions could encourage more visitors and boost the local economy, Lupse said.
She gave the example of Kaiapoi's water park, which attracts both visitors and locals.
Addison Judd suggested more events like Glow and the noodle market, with funding from the council.
Public transport was also needed for teens to access activities - something that is lacking in Ashburton, Summer Foster said.
“The MyWay bus in Timaru has been really successful and it would be good to see similar in Ashburton.”
E-scooters or bikes would also help, Foster said.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the council requested Environment Canterbury to investigate public transport options for Ashburton in its upcoming long-term plan.
The annual operating cost of the MyWay on-demand service in Timaru is $2.7m, which is made up of $1.1m from rates, $1.3m from Waka Kotahi grants, and $0.25m from fare revenue.
When it comes to road safety, Sophia Aguila said lower speeds around schools “makes it safer for everyone” and there should be more pedestrian crossings.
The recent Walnut Ave intersection upgrade removed roundabouts and installed traffic lights to provide safer crossings for school children, “but I don’t always see the students using that”.
“It might be some education required to use what we have already got and then look at others into the future.”
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven’s new $10m water treatment plant has opened, bringing "an end to boil water notices".
Methven Community Board chairperson Kelvin Holmes said at the official opening of the plant on Friday that it “should be the last of our … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven’s new $10m water treatment plant has opened, bringing "an end to boil water notices".
Methven Community Board chairperson Kelvin Holmes said at the official opening of the plant on Friday that it “should be the last of our boil water notices” that have plagued the town.
Ashburton District mayor Neil Brown went a step further.
“Kelvin said 'should'. I’ll say it will bring an end to the boil water notices.”
Methven resident and deputy mayor Liz McMillan will be looking forward to her phone staying quiet next time it rains, Brown said.
The plant became operational on September 21 and passed its first test when bad weather hit that weekend, Brown said.
“The plant worked very well responding to the dirtier water that was coming in, and we didn’t have a boil water notice out the other end.”
It is a landmark project for the community, providing a state-of-the-art facility to serve the Methven and Methven-Springfield water supplies, Brown said.
Through an elaborate series of membranes the plant filters 99.9 percent of the micro contaminants, and water is also disinfected with UV treatment, Brown said.
Methven's water supply is also fluoridated.
The site has two water sources and two reservoir tanks holding a combined capacity of 1140 cubic metres to help manage peak demand on Methven’s drinking water scheme.
Te Runanga o Arowhenua ūpoko, Te Wera King blessed the site using ‘Marty the membrane’, an example piece of the membrane, the Mauri stone for the blessing.
“This thing represents the purpose of what this whole place is about - keeping the water clean for the people, better known as te mana o te wai,” King said.
After the blessing, councillors, community board members, council staff and contractors examined the finished facility.
A public open day is being held today [Saturday] from 9am until midday.
A similar membrane plant for the Mayfield water supply is under construction and due to be operational by May 2024.
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. … View moreA good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.
Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.
Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.
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I have a model Cutty sark sailing ship that i would like some one to be able to finish building for me (only the hull started ) .As i have a health issue that will not let me see this ship finished and in full sail.
as is my dream. So is there some one out there that wants to take on this … View moreI have a model Cutty sark sailing ship that i would like some one to be able to finish building for me (only the hull started ) .As i have a health issue that will not let me see this ship finished and in full sail.
as is my dream. So is there some one out there that wants to take on this project and once its finished let me enjoy it(give it back to me) .IF you can help all of the model building stuff i have (half built other ship and many building tools and bits and pieces are yours free ,so if you can help please message me or text or phone Bill on 027 5204264
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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The public wants more spent on the roads, according to a residents' survey.
The annual survey found 61% of respondents wanted the council to spend more on roading.
With Waka Kotahi funding set in advance on a three-year cycle, the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The public wants more spent on the roads, according to a residents' survey.
The annual survey found 61% of respondents wanted the council to spend more on roading.
With Waka Kotahi funding set in advance on a three-year cycle, the Ashburton District Council is again spending more of its own money on improving the roading network, but not quite as much as last year.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager, Neil McCann, said the council would spend $11.4 million on roading projects in 2023-24.
That’s lower than 2022-23 when the council put $1.7m of forestry reserve funds into unsubsidised road rehabilitation.
The council has approved $2.09m for unsubsidised works this year - $1.09m for capital projects and $1m for sealed road overlays.
The list of capital projects totals about $890,000 and was subject to “contract cost fluctuations” McCann said.
Any left over money would go towards the next project on the list.
The other $1m is for resurfacing an additional 3.6km to the district-wide rehabilitation programme.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach said this was added to address some of the issues with the state of the roading network.
As part of the Waka Kotahi subsidised renewal budget of $7.3m, $2.14m is also included for sealed road rehabilitation.
The worst areas get work done first, road manager Mark Chamberlain said.
The capital projects included a cost-share between the council and the Camrose Estates developers due to a historic consent agreement to split the cost evenly on sealing Holmes Rd and upgrading one side of Barkers Rd.
Another project is the Tinwald car park in front of the shopping centre, which requires a $100,000 resurfacing.
Councillor Richard Wilson raised his concern about the spread of the projects, noting the higher number of urban road projects getting approved when the residents’ survey highlighted higher levels of dissatisfaction from those outside the Ashburton town boundary.
“Sure they will be able to get their fish and chips in more comfort in Tinwald, but it may not help them when they leave Tinwald and go on the rural roads.”
In response, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown noted the majority of the projects “seem to be to the south of the district and not the north”.
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Unsubsidised roading projects 2023-24:
• Camrose Estates, Methven, cost share Holmes Rd/Barkers Rd frontage upgrades - $470,714
• Baring Square East coal tar removal - $75,000
• Tinwald car park resurfacing - $100,000
• Racecourse Rd kerb and channel and footpath - $185,000
• Mackie St, Methven, footpath - $60,000
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Unsubsidised sealed road overlays 2023-24
• Ealing Montalto Rd 0.990 km
• Ealing Montalto Rd 0.990 km
• Lismore Mayfield Rd 1.400 km
• Maronan Rd 0.410 km
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Subsidised sealed road rehabilitation sites for 2023/24
• Thompsons Track 1.107 km
• Thompsons Track 1.332 km
• Seafield Rd 1.260 km
• Tinwald Westerfield Mayfield Rd 0.860 km
• Tramway Rd 0.672 km
• Chalmers Ave Roundabout – Beach Rd/Moore St 0.090 km
• Chalmers Ave Roundabout – Bridge St/Walnut Ave 0.070 km
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